Riverview is a well appointed and perfectly positioned house with a pretty garden and lovely views of the river. It is located on the edge of a small unspoilt village where, most mornings, the fishermen bring in their catch. The deck and patio afford great views of the wide river which teams with bird life ranging from great flocks of house crows to kites, egrets, herons, kingfishers and eagles. You can watch the sun rise to the east and set over the palms and the beach to the west and every evening the light is different and makes the perfect accompaniment to the local beverages. Breakfast was always delicious and served with a smile, the housekeeper will prepare lunch or dinner on request and if you want to eat in you won't be disappointed. The house has everything you need for a two week stay and is very clean and comfortable, the owner is charming and helpful and made us feel very welcome. It is a five minute walk to Rajbag beach which is quiet but if you want more beach action walk to Patnem which is a bit busier and then onto Palolem which is busier still. To the south Galgibag is also very quiet but has some interesting restaurants and bars hidden away in the trees at the back of the beach. You will be spoilt for choice as far as eating out. We ate at two of the three restaurants in the village and the food was superb but for more choice Patnem and Palolem are a cheap taxi ride away. Seafood is surprisingly good value and of a very high standard and the curries are fantastic. This is a quiet corner of Goa and it did feel a bit of an effort to visit the "sights" but a trip up river with one of the local fisherman is a pleasant way to end a day; Chaudi the nearest town is small but frenetic with a colourful fruit and veg market a few days a week and the Tanshikar farm is well worth a visit. We had a wonderful and very relaxing fortnight and would defiantly recommend Riverview Villa, Rajbag and Southern Goa.

Back for our second stay this year. Again it was excellent. The house is spotless and well appointed and Nafisa and Nilima were on hand to look after us. They work hard and Nafisa is the best cook in Goa, tried the butter chicken this time, better than a restaurant. Nilima looks after the gardens, which are beautiful and both girls and the owner Chim are fantastic hostesses and can sort out anything you need from a rickshaw to lunch in an old Portuguese house. They are lovely people and very friendly.This really is a spectacular location with great views. You can watch the fisherman bring in the catch and the women take it to market, see the Kingfishers, eagles, heron and monkeys and all from the patio where the excellent breakfast is served. Plenty of restaurants nearby in Patnem and Palolem but if you feel lazy Nafisa will cook for you and it is well worth it. 10 minutes walk to Rajbag beach and 15 to Patnem beach. Plenty of taxis and rickshaws and the girls will also sort out a driver for any trips you want. We had the Diwali celebrations whilst we were there which are great fun and everyone is so generous.Best holiday we have had x

If you want to get away from the big hotel resort formula and see the real side of Goa this is perfect. The house is well equipped, stylish and has incredible views of the river. It is an oasis away from tourists but near enough to jump a taxi to the restaurants and bars. There are two girls who come for a few hours in the morning and look after things, make breakfast or evening meals if you wish. The food is better than the restaurants (which are exceptional) and the omelettes and sheeha in the morning are fantastic. Try Nafisa's prawn curry for dinner, best in Goa.The girls are unobtrusive, very helpful and accomodating and keep the place spotlessly clean.There is a wonderful decked area on the banks of the river from which you can watch the world go by and get some shade and a nice breeze.The gardens get the sun all day and dawn and dusk are spectacular. The garden is visited by some lovely birds. Kingfishers etc and you can watch the river birds hunting for fish. If you don't do crowds of people Rajbag beach is ideal and in the evening the bar/restaurant shacks on Patnem (a five minute taxi ride) are perfect.The owner is Chim who is on hand should you need anything and is very helpful, friendly and nothing is a problem to her.We have had two wonderful weeks of lazing around and enjoying the house and the local area. Highly recommended and would go back.